Stanley, Samir shine as Sunday Sultans rule veterans hockey

Sunday Sultans skipper Stanley Fernandes receives the OTOD Senior Hockey Carnival winner’s trophy from former India goalkeeper Mir Ranjan Negi at the MHAL Stadium, Churchgate, on Sunday

Sunday Sultans won the inaugural One Team One Dream Seniors Hockey Carnival six-a-side veterans tournament, beating UTSC Dubai 5-1 in the final at the Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd Stadium at Churchgate.

The eight-team competition for players above 40 years, had some of the city's top clubs like Mumbai Port Trust, Hockey Dadar, Ave Maria and Sea View in attendance besides some invitational teams.

UTSC's Jayesh TP opened the scoring in the first minute with a field goal. However, skipper Stanley Fernandes soon netted the equaliser for the Sultans off a penalty corner. Soloman Alexander then doubled the tally for the Sultans as the match seemed evenly poised at half-time.

On resumption, Samir Coutinho netted twice and Fernandes added another goal to his tally to complete an easy win for the Sultans. The Sultans were awarded a winner's cheque of Rs 15,000, while UTSC received Rs 7,500. UTSC's Javis Ahamed and Shanavas Valappil were adjudged the best player and best goalkeeper of the tournament respectively.

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